Ipswich prepare to reinforce defence

Ipswich Town need to halt the defensive frailties they showed against Bradford City this week if they hope to make Uefa Cup progress tonight.

George Burley's men start as favourites to make progress at the expense of the Luxembourg side Avenir Beggen at Portman Road in their second qualifying round second-leg match. But following the 2-1 defeat at home to Bradford on Monday Burley may ring the changes in defence for the return leg against Beggen.

Ipswich came home with only a 1-0 lead from Luxembourg, thanks to a late goal from Marcus Stewart. "We won't be taking any risks with players who have any knocks but we have to make sure we progress to the next round," Burley said.

Two 18-year-olds, Darren Bent and Darren Ambrose, have been tkey men for Ipswich this season but both may be rested to keep them fresh for Sunday's visit to Preston.

Defensive weaknesses were exposed by Bradford and John McGreal and Wayne Brown are expected to be recalled in central defence, but Mark Venus needs more time to recover from a thigh strain. Ipswich may include the 17-year-old Matt Richards at left-back and the Dutch winger Martijn Reuser is in line to start.